Volkswagen T-Roc vs Toyota RAV4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Volkswagen T-Roc
From $41,990
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
445L
Toyota RAV4
From $45,990
SUV
Hybrid
Petrol Hybrid
143kW
4.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
705L
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen T-Roc starts from $41,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Roc the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $46,189 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota RAV4 by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen T-Roc features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Roc stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen T-Roc uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol Hybrid making 143kW and 221Nm, paired to a cvt (e-cvt) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota RAV4 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen T-Roc measures 4,251mm long on a 2,603mm wheelbase, 349mm shorter than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,600mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 445L in the Volkswagen T-Roc and 705L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 260L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen T-Roc leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,796/year for the Volkswagen T-Roc and $1,283/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $1,796 (Volkswagen T-Roc) vs $1,283 (Toyota RAV4). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Roc) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota RAV4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen T-Roc if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota RAV4?
The Volkswagen T-Roc is the cheapest at $41,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota RAV4 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 705L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Roc has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Toyota RAV4 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.4s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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